I am a clean-freak. I admit it. Some would probably consider me clean to the point of being anal about it. I'm better at censoring myself in a shared living situation, but it doesn't mean I don't get upset by messes that could, in my mind, be so easily avoided and/or cleaned immediately. Anyways, I was sick of having to do monthly fridge cleaning sessions and running the risk of upsetting my roommates by my overzealous desire to just trash everything even minutely questionable. So here's how we try to do things now:

• Top Shelf: leftovers, fresh meat, things that need to be used or thrown out soon
• Middle Shelf: eggs, deli meats, packaged foods, things that will generally last a little while
• Bottom Shelf: beverages of all sorts, things that will last forever(relatively speaking)
• Bottom Drawers: vegetables only please
• Side Shelves: Condiments Condiments Condiments, wine bottles, butter in that special butter thing

This helps us(read me) see what most likely needs to be cleaned(top shelf and vegetable drawers) about each week, what needs attention each month(middle shelf), and what needs attention when the apocalypse comes.

I think this kind of system can be really helpful and considerate to your roommates in a shared living situation. It adds organization that makes each roommate be thoughtful of the fridge since the space is all shared while at the same time ensuring that things don't get too out of hand with mold monsters